Van Hool coach with Allison transmission debuts in Europe
Van Hool TX Altano coach with MX13 DAF and Allison T525R fully automatic transmission will debut at Busworld 2015
KONINGSHOOIKT, Belgium – European bus and coach manufacturer, Van Hool, has added Allison Transmission’s T525R fully automatic transmission to its TX17 Altano coach. This Van Hool coach configuration also features FuelSense®, Allison’s latest fuel-saving technology, in its most comprehensive configuration – FuelSense® Max. The first of these vehicles, built for Belgian tour operator de Zigeuner, will be on display and available for test drives at the Busworld exhibition in Kortrijk, Belgium, Oct. 16-21 by booking at Van Hool’s stand: Hall 6, booth 601.
Allison Transmission’s T525R is part of the Torqmatic® range, a line of fully automatic transmissions specifically designed for the unique demands of tour coaches, city buses and suburban buses with engine ratings up to 410 kW (550hp) and 2550 N•m . The DAF MX13 12.9-liter Euro 6 engine Van Hool uses produces 375 kW (510hp) of power and 2500 N•m of torque.
According to Jan Vanheusden, chairman of de Zigeuner, he is delighted that Van Hool has manufactured an Allison-equipped DAF-powered coach. “I kept asking our good friends at Van Hool for this,” he said, “and now DAF’s new-generation Euro 6 MX13 engine has made it possible.”
Designed for easy and efficient operation, with up to six forward speeds and one reverse, the Torqmatic range of transmissions feature 5th Generation advanced electronic controls for optimized operation and prognostic capabilities. An integral transmission output retarder is also available.
“We ran an Allison-equipped bus in the past, and I was so impressed by its exceptional smoothness,” said de Zigeuner. “As a tour company, we take people to sight-seeing destinations all over Europe, often covering great distances. Reliability and fuel efficiency are important to us as operators, but smoothness and comfort are crucial to the customer experience.”
With Allison’s Continuous Power Technology™, engine torque is multiplied at launch by Allison’s patented torque converter and gear changes are made without power interruption, resulting in the smooth transfer of power to the drive wheels, maximum efficiency between the engine and transmission, and a more comfortable ride for passengers.
The high-decker Van Hool Altano TX17 is a three-axle coach measuring 3.73 meters (12.25 ft.) in height, 13.20 meters (43.5 ft.) in length, and 2.55 meters (8.5 ft.) in width. Ideal for travelling long distances in comfort, it seats up to 59 passengers, with a 14-sq.-meter luggage compartment.
Van Hool also builds coaches equipped with the Allison B500™ fully automatic transmission for iconic American brand – Greyhound Lines, Inc.
About Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses. Allison transmissions are used in a variety of applications including refuse, construction, fire, distribution, bus, motorhomes, defense and energy. Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and employs approximately 2,700 people worldwide. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India. Allison also has approximately 1,400 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.
Contact
Claire Dumbreck Miranda Jansen
Propel Technology Allison Transmission Europe
claire@propel-technology.com miranda.jansen@allisontransmission.com
+44 (0)1295 770602 +31 78-6422 174
Manor Farm Offices Baanhoek 118
Fenny Compton, United Kingdom Sliedrecht, the Netherlands
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